Ok. So this is a thing, I guess? It's not good. But you probably knew that already if you've read the main title. That was sketchy enough without tryingOk. So this is a thing, I guess? It's not good. But you probably knew that already if you've read the main title. That was sketchy enough without trying to milk the storyline for prequels.
[image]
The problem with this is that there just isn't enough story. Or maybe it's that they aren't taking the time needed to set up anything in the story for you to care about it. It is literally Great Value Keanu Reeves popping up at different times in the past, going on a BRZRKR rage, and killing everyone in sight. And I completely missed this part of his "origin" in the first three volumes, but apparently he not only can't stop himself once he gets going, but he has some kind of an inner timer ticking down that makes him lose control after it goes ding! that can't be stopped, either.
[image]
I mean...what? IF he can slaughter an entire kingdom in one rage? And IF he's on some kind of a countdown as soon as he's done with said slaughter? And IF that countdown is as fast as it appears in the second story (a month or so)? Then there's no way humanity manages to survive to the present day. He's already killed everyone off long before the Dark Ages saw the Renaissance on the horizon. Or. Maybe I missed something.
[image]
But if you are willing to ignore the wonky bits and just dive in, this has a story about Unute's time in Atlantis & the time he fell in love with a king's wife. Both end in about the same amount of disaster and carnage that you would imagine.
Something killed that fucking kid. Now, I'm not saying that you should run about killing children willy-nilly, but on occasion, dreams do come true, anSomething killed that fucking kid. Now, I'm not saying that you should run about killing children willy-nilly, but on occasion, dreams do come true, and the correct child gets eaten by a monster. I know. There may be things I need to work out in therapy.
[image]
Ok, so without giving any spoilers, I'll say that I was all in for this volume. I'm thrilled beyond words at the ending and can't wait to see what the next arc of Erica's story brings us. And I'm sure I've said it before, but I really enjoyed Cutter as the villain, so here's hoping Tynion can keep that level of menace going strong as the story moves forward.
[image]
I'm still loving the weird and wonky art style of Werther Dell’Edera, which is strange because some of the faces in the panels are incredibly off-putting to me. I don't know. I can't explain that any more than I can explain the zeal in my heart as I watched a monster eat a child in this comic book.
[image]
Oh, and don't skimp and forget to peruse the Cover Gallery when you read this. Really, the covers are the best part - aside from the delicious children, of course. I know what you're thinking, but I swear that I'm a loving mother who has eaten ZERO of her young.
Here's the thing: I don't like the Daughters of the Steppes.
[image]
All of the women and men in these books are annoying, brash, and selfish. And I lovHere's the thing: I don't like the Daughters of the Steppes.
[image]
All of the women and men in these books are annoying, brash, and selfish. And I love them! But for some reason, these Steppes just annoy the hell out of me. They come from a society that believes men are helpless, stupid, and too emotional to make their own decisions. Which, admittedly, sounds funny, right?! And it is...for about 20 seconds. Until you realize that these women never really break their prejudice against men. So. Yeah, it's kinda the way I would feel about a male who thought the same thing about women. Unless he changed his tune, I wouldn't be rooting for him to 'get the girl' in the end. sigh I tolerated didn't mind the last book with Kachka's sister in it (she was a bit nicer), but this one just worked my nerves.
[image]
Feel the Burn's saving grace (for me) was that I'm so invested in finding out about this Final Battle between Annwyl and this cult, I can kind of tune out the voices of these ridiculous Steppes women. Sadly, that means the romance is purely background noise, at this point. Fortunately, there's a lot of new information, and plenty of interesting characters show up to keep the story moving forward. Abominations, FTW! <--You gotta be a fan of the books to get that one.
[image]
Honestly, I don't know how many more of these books I want to read, so I'm kinda hoping that Aiken wraps this shit up sooner, rather than later. But knowing me, I'll keep on reading these to the bitter end. Maybe the next book will have a better female lead?
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for a digital review copy.
So, I loved the feminist slant, and I loved the in-your-face attitude of the comic. Especially the stuff about body image. LOVED IT!
[image]
But as far So, I loved the feminist slant, and I loved the in-your-face attitude of the comic. Especially the stuff about body image. LOVED IT!
[image]
But as far as the actual plot went, I was a little disappointed. Maybe because I'd read so much hype about this one? I'm just not sure. [image] In dystopian future women are arrested and imprisoned for being non-compliant. Just about anything from being overweight to outspoken can result in incarceration on (what is commonly called) Bitch Planet.
[image]
There's lots of nudity in this, but it's not the kind that pays service to drooling fanboys. It takes all the Women in Prison movies, embraces them, and then turns them on their ear.
[image]
Even the obligatory sexy shower scene, gets a brand new twist.
[image]
Although, the best part (to me) was reading all of the hilarious advertisements in the back of each issue. Make sure you don't pass these up! Spicy Cinnamon Taco douche...for the girl adventurer!
[image]
And that's where this volume shines. It was all the small things that it called BULLSHIT on, that made such a huge impact on the story. These are the things that women are told to worry about every day! Does your vag really need to smell like some sort of a chemical flower? I'm gonna step out on a limb, and say...no.
[image]
It deals with different body types, weight, color, and the general diversity in women, but it also deals with the attitudes towards women with...um, attitude. If you're outspoken and opinionated does that make you a bitch? Yeah, maybe. shrugs But is that a bad thing? Again, going out on that limb to say...no.
[image]
Alrighty, as far as the story? A group of these Bitch Planet prisoners are going to compete in some sort of game, as the Female team. It's apparently being done to add spice to this Olympic Gamesish competition (<--still a bit unclear). Of course, the deck is stacked against them, there's a conspiracy with the higher ups in government, and public opinion is not in their favor. But the ladies may be able to make a statement (and/or kill a bunch of people in charge) if they make it to the final round of the games. I THINK. Hopefully, I'll get the opportunity to keep reading this one, and maybe by the next volume the main plot will be a little more defined. [image] Overall, though, I thought the message in this was very cool. Recommended for boys and girls of all ages over 18.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley and the publishers.
I think the art totally ruined the story for me. Did Wonder Woman get hit in the face with a shovel?
[image]
Stop it, Edward. You already have a girI think the art totally ruined the story for me. Did Wonder Woman get hit in the face with a shovel?
[image]
Stop it, Edward. You already have a girlfriend.
[image]
Ok whatever. I just didn't care for the way the faces of these characters were drawn. Maybe it's not the worst thing I've ever seen, but it was really annoying (for me) to look at the speech bubbles dribbling out of these mouths. Do you understand what I'm saying?
[image]
The actual story was fine. It shows how the Power Couple first met, and then flashes forward to them in the present. They're still trying to understand each other and make their relationship work, all while juggling their other responsibilities.
[image]
There's a new/old villain who's been re-imagined for the purposes of this volume, plus one of Wonder Woman's longtime Greek nemesis pops up to cause problems.
[image]
Since this is a Superman/Wonder Woman story, it's less about the bad guy, and more about the impact it has on them as a couple. They've gotta trust each other to not only do the right thing, but also to be able to take care of themselves. And with both of them being such powerhouses, and both of them used to being the one to rush in and save the day, it's definitely interesting to explore that side to their relationship. Plus, it's just cool to see them beat the shit out of each other. Magical Mind Control, FTW!
[image]
Awww. Aren't they the cutest? I have to admit, I'm not as blown away with this title as I was in the beginning. I'd say it's still decent, but unless they switch up the artist, I'm outta here. *barf*
[image]
I received a digital copy from NetGalley & the publisher.
I'm not sure if this is the final book or not, but if it is, then Weekes did a good job of showing growth in all of the characters, tying up all the lI'm not sure if this is the final book or not, but if it is, then Weekes did a good job of showing growth in all of the characters, tying up all the loose ends, and putting a bow on top of it all. This sort of thing tends to make me happy. sniffle
[image]
No, really! I knew/believed/trusted that everything would end up the way it should...and the author delivered! Especially the part about Gwalafalafel...Galf.....Gandolfwal...Gwenfalr...fuck it... The Hammer! Which looks like Mjolnir to me, because I'm a nerd.
[image]
If you're read the first two books, then you know what to expect from the plot. Is that a good thing? I'm not sure. At some point I was just expecting everything I was reading to be an elaborate lie, you know? Took some of the original suspense out of it for me. I never really felt any of the (main) characters were in real danger. Even when they appeared to be totally done for, I didn't really have the Gasp! reaction, because...? Well, because that's just not how Weekes operates. So this was me at the end of the book:
[image]
Am I saying that no one bit the BIG one? No. Not everyone is getting out of this alive.
[image]
But I'm not giving you any hints, so there! *cackles*
[image]
What I'm trying to say is, this is an excellent addition (possibly ending?) to the Rogues of the Republic books. While I might not have been as surprised by the twists and turns, I still enjoyed them. Does that make sense? I'm just not someone that can't read or watch something if I already know how it's gong to end. Those of you who know me, know that I'm not one to get upset about (most) spoilers, and even ask for them sometimes. I know, it's weird. What can I say?
[image]
Anyway, to me, Loch & her lovable gang of thieves are always worth reading about. And if this was it, then it was a damn fine trilogy. If not, then I'll be standing in line to read the next one!
I like G.A. Aiken's Dragon Kin stuff, so I'm familiar with the characters and their world. However, if this is your first introduction to the3.5 stars
I like G.A. Aiken's Dragon Kin stuff, so I'm familiar with the characters and their world. However, if this is your first introduction to the series, some things may be confusing and/or you may not get all of the inside references. Although, you also don't have to know anything about the ongoing stories to read this, because it's a prequel (of sorts) that tells how Glheanna & Bram originally got together.
[image]
The good thing is, since none of the other things in the series have happened yet, you won't get bogged down trying to figure out how all of the other humans and dragons that keep popping up are relevant to the story. But you since this is mostly written as a story for hardcore fans, I'm not 100% certain it would be all that much fun for the newbies. So. *shrugs*
[image]
Personally, though, I had fun reading this shorty! Bram is known as a bookish royal that the queen sends out as an ambassador to broker treaties and such. Glheanna is a badass warrior that frightens everyone into submission. At first glance, not exactly the kind of couple that looks like they would mesh well.
[image]
Of course, they do, because these guys are the parents of a some of the main characters in the full length books. Plus, you know...romance novel! Can't remember their kids' names right now, but I'd know 'em if I saw 'em!
[image]
If you're a fan of the books, you won't want to miss out on this little gem. And if you've never read about Aiken's insane, brawling, foul-mouthed, shape-shifting, sexy dragon clans before, then you don't know what you're missing.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review.
Boy, this was just kinda bleak and depressing. I don't know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't this. I guess I was hoping for somet2.5 stars
Boy, this was just kinda bleak and depressing. I don't know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't this. I guess I was hoping for something different? To be honest, Peter Pan & his Co. are nowhere near my favorite characters. Even as a child, I thought he was obnoxious and stupid, and the Disney movie just depressed me. What was wrong with those people? Why the Hell did Wendy act like such an adult? Why wouldn't her parents let her stay with her brothers in the nursery? God! Those people were cruel! No wonder she wandered off with that creepy Pan kid. And then, why didn't he come back and live with her family at the end of the story? WHAT KIND OF CRAZY STORY IS THAT TO TELL LITTLE KIDS?
[image]
*cough* The whole thing was just f-ed up. To me, anyway. Point is, I don't even like this story when it's not being retold in some horribly gloomy way from Hook's perspective. But if you are one of the millions of readers who adore anything Pan-related, you may have an entirely different experience than I did. Unfortunately, there was nothing about this one that I enjoyed. Sorry.
[image]
Was Hook supposed to be a villain by the end? If so, I thought the author did a poor job convincing me that he had done anything wrong. And Pan? I wanted him dead. Tiger Lilly, too! Someone please run both those bitches through with a sword!
[image]
Wendy? Shove that obnoxious little twat overboard, please. And her idiot brothers. And while you're at it, the rest of those spineless Lost Boys, as well. All of 'em. I wanna hear a big SPLASH!
[image]
Well, Anne, if a book can make you feel this angry, then the author did a good job, right? Ok, maybe you have a point. If the author's point was to make me hate every single character in this story...job well done! Thing is, I was also bored during this book. Like, reallyreallyreally bored. The writing wasn't bad, but the story just sort of drug on and on and on and on without anything exciting going down. It was just one shitty thing after another happening to James Hook. And it felt like I was reading it in Real Time. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
[image]
Admittedly, I'm not a fan of stories that don't give a reader hope. I don't enjoy reading defeatist stuff, and I don't enjoy watching someone self-destruct. Particularly when there was nothing they could have done to change the outcome. And I especially don't enjoy reading about it when there's no action. Hook and Pan fight. Hook could kill him...but because {insert inexplicable reason here} doesn't. Pan does something childishly evil. Wash, rinse, repeat. And then it ends.
[image]
When I closed the book last night, I was ready to give this one star for wasting my time. But I honestly think the author is a good writer, so maybe it's just that it wasn't my cuppa.
Ok, let's get started! *rubs hands together gleefully* Kidding, kidding... It's not that bad. Well, it is, but it's also probably going to be r2.5 stars
Ok, let's get started! *rubs hands together gleefully* Kidding, kidding... It's not that bad. Well, it is, but it's also probably going to be required reading for DC fans. Sorry, kiddos. Warning: Spoilers! But I'm not even really sure what happened, so...*shrugs*
[image]
Basically, DC wants to use all of the different versions of all of their characters across the multiverse. Because we were all clamoring for them to Bring back the multiverse! Well, no. But I think New 52 wasn't working out as well as they'd hoped, so why not go back in time 30 plus years, and re-do a re-boot. Specifically, Crisis on Infinite Earths, which originally wiped out DC's bloated multiverse, and gave things a cleanish slate. Sorta like...New 52.
[image]
And that's pretty much what this is about. Yes, hardcore geeks will certainly be able to go into the specifics of what I missed, but for those of you who are only casual readers, all you need to know is that DC can now tell any story they want to, from any Earth, with any version of any hero that ever existed. Sorta. And the continuity of the New 52 is still in play.
[image]
Does Convergence, as a story, make for good reading? Hahahahahahahahahahaha! *wipes tear* Oh, you're funny. I like you! No, as a matter of fact, there are plot holes you could drive a truck through, clunky dialogue, and a weird plot line that gets more and more confusing as it goes along. But who cares?! Suck it up, buttercup. Remember, it's required reading.
[image]
Some guy from a {random planet} gets tricked into being Brainiac's stooge... Hey you know what? Just think of the Silver Surfer/Galactus origin story, and you'll get what's going on with this Telos character. It's exactly like that, minus the surfboard.
[image]
Most of the story focuses on the Earth 2 heroes, but eventually things branch out to include more and more of the other characters from the multiverse.
[image]
How, why, when, where? Long story short, Brainiac has trapped everyone...like entire cities... (still not sure how he's done this) on a living planet controlled by Telos. Then he wanders away to do something off-page. Telos loses sight of his Prime Directive, and starts pitting cities and their heroes against each other in a Battle Royale-style fight for survival.
[image]
Of course, there's an evil sorcerer (Deimos) who is planning to rule the world, sorry, worlds. And has managed to eat a bunch of Time Lords... or something. Then Earth 2's Dick Grayson has a heart-to heart with Telos, and then Telos talks to Brainiac, and then they all cry and get emotional. It's...you know what? Fuck it. It's amazing, they all burn their bras and talk about which brand of tampon is the most absorbent. Next thing you know, good triumphs over evil, and the multiverse is restored.
[image]
Ok. that's it, kids. You can all go back to your regularly scheduled comic books now.
Edit: Everyone is telling me that THIS is definitely NOT required reading. As long as you know that it happened, you can mosey along without ever having to touch this sucker.
I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks, DC! So nice of you to reprint Batman: Endgame, plus in a few tie-in issues, and sell it as a completely different book. Way to be classy!
[iThanks, DC! So nice of you to reprint Batman: Endgame, plus in a few tie-in issues, and sell it as a completely different book. Way to be classy!
[image]
The tie-in stories aren't bad, but they're mostly about random characters...and then Batgirl. Considering how much I disliked the New Batgirl, I was shocked that it was my favorite out of the bunch. It was told without dialogue, which worked really well for me, because I absolutely LOVE the art from that title.
[image]
The rest of the tie-ins deal with what's going on for different characters during the Endgame crisis. There's one nutty set of stories that are all connected, dealing with a doctor at Arkham and some of her loony patients. The Big Reveal at the end of that one left me cold, because I already knew who Eric Border was, and (bonus!) I don't tend to like tales told through the eyes of arbitrary characters. I was actually hoping for the Joker's point of view, because...well, the title says something to that effect. Sadly, no. I've got a better title - The Joke's on You: We Got Yer Money!
[image]
If you haven't read Endgame, maybe this would be the way to go? Especially if you're interesting in purchasing. However, if you have read it (or own it), then this probably isn't going to impress you all that much. Of course, lots of people loved this arc, so...
[image]
For me, this was a struggle to get through. I was so annoyed that they expected me to re-read the same shit over again that it took me forever to finish it. And, yes, I read the entire thing. I kept hoping reading Snyder's Endgame for a second time might help me see it with fresh eyes (or some other nonsense), and maybe I'd find something I missed that would make me enjoy it a bit more. NOPE. Still thought it was a turd.
[image]
I received a digital copy from NetGalley and the publisher.
I'm a HUGE fan of the tv show, so that may have some bearing on my rating, but I don't think so. This was a pretty decent collection of Telev3.5 stars
I'm a HUGE fan of the tv show, so that may have some bearing on my rating, but I don't think so. This was a pretty decent collection of Television Flash stories. Obviously, this is not going to match up with what is going on in the real Flash comics, nor should it. This is strictly for CW fans who want a bit more of their Barry. OhmyGodIlovethiskid!
[image]
Anyway, most of the time I find these sort of tv spin-offs annoying and horribly cheesy. But (again, perhaps due to my love of the show) this time around I was fairly pleased with the graphic novelization of the show.
[image]
This give a teeny background origin blurb, and then moves on to tell a group of very loosely connected stories about the Flash's life in Central City.
[image]
The art is sort of all over the place, and although I liked some of it better than others, none of it WOWed me. However, I did like the art with cleaner lines more than the chunky/clunky stuff.
[image]
I was happy to see that they didn't recap last season's episodes, and instead came up with all new stories to tell, featuring (mostly) all new villains.
[image]
Some of these guys I'd never even heard of, so I was thinking maybe there are a few new creations in this. But it's also likely that I don't know every single villain in Barry's rogue gallery, so it's quite possible that these might ring a bell to some of you hardcore Flash fans out there.
[image]
I think I should mention that there is an issue with Felicity Smoak for all of you Arrowheads out there...
[image]
One of my favorite issues was the one with Amanda Waller & the Suicide Squad. Of course, this does not have the same cast as the movie, so don't go into it expecting to see Harley Quinn. Sorry! Instead you've got Deadshot, Boomerang, Cupid, and King Shark.
[image]
Oh...and the Suicide Squad issue also includes another Arrow Crossover.
[image]
All in all, not a bad volume for fans. If you like the show, then this might tide you over till the new episodes come out!
[image]
I received a digital copy from Netgalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this was a pleasant surprise! Action packed, interesting, well-written, and fairly original to boot! And to say I wasn't expecting much out of thWell, this was a pleasant surprise! Action packed, interesting, well-written, and fairly original to boot! And to say I wasn't expecting much out of this one would be an understatement. I read the blurb on NetGalley and requested it pretty quickly. But once I got a good look at that cover, my insides froze up & my fingers refused to slide it open on my Kindle. I should know (better than most!) not to judge a book by its cover, but...
[image]
Yes, that sounds snobby and awful, but I wanna cry every time a good book gets lost in the Cover Wars. And this was a good book! It shouldn't be hidden behind a cover that makes readers squeamish. Question: Does anyone else tend to pass on fantasy or sci-fi books with covers that are drawn? Maybe it's just me, but I have this weird aversion to them. In my mind, they represent the b-movies of literature, and I can't quite move past my prejudice. So, if anyone out there knows of a good therapist...
[image]
Just me? Fine. The only real problem I had with the writing was that I couldn't quite tell what was happening sometimes. Now, this didn't happen enough to really bother me, but, occasionally, the descriptions of what was going on were sort of hazy. Kind of like the author didn't know how to describe what was going through her mind, or maybe was so caught up in the story she was telling, she just assumed we could see the vibrant picture as well as she could. And that's honestly a compliment. I've never read a story that combined these elements in this way. Sure, aliens visit & some people get special powers has been done before, but this book mixed it up enough that I was pretty impressed. It had this sci-fi/steampunk/magical feel to it with the circus thrown in for good measure. It was just...creative.
[image]
As far as Penn's character goes, there were times I wanted to shake her for being stupidly stubborn. There's a time to be defiant, and there's a time to wait for your opportunity to be defiant. Apparently, she didn't know the difference between the two, and it annoyed me. If you're greatly overpowered, there's no shame in backing down for a bit, and maybe taking inventory of your options. If you don't, you'll just end up getting your ass kicked AND looking like an idiot.
[image]
However, it wasn't a deal-breaker, because the story itself was interesting enough on its own to hold my attention. Plus, after a while, I started to admire the kid's spunk. Sorta. Ok, I'm botching this review, because it looks like I'm doing nothing but complaining about a book I gave 4 stars. Let me try this again... This was fun to read, at no point was I bored, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one! Better, right? Anyway, if you've been on the fence about Sing Down the Stars, I'd encourage you to give it a shot.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Doomsday for Dummies? Sounds funny! But...no. I just didn't get the humor. At all. Maybe it's because I'm too old to think that millennial's are funny?Doomsday for Dummies? Sounds funny! But...no. I just didn't get the humor. At all. Maybe it's because I'm too old to think that millennial's are funny? No, that's not true. I laugh my ass off at those "self-entitled, self-involved, and ill equipped" whiners all the time. This should have had me in stitches. Instead?
[image]
The plot had massive potential, and there were a moments that rang true, but for the most part this was just an exercise in ridiculousness. The main problem is that Verdell isn't awful enough to be truly funny, and she isn't good enough to be anyone's idea of a heroine. She's just THERE...sucking up space on the planet. The quintessential oxygen thief.
[image]
And she's not the only one. Apparently, everyone on the planet is mouth-breather. Again, that could have been funny!
[image]
Except it wasn't! I know the author wanted to show how the world would be if it were taken over by morons, but without at least one intelligent person left on the planet, the jokes fell flat. Without anyone who had two brain cells to rub together, there was no one to play the straight man. It was nothing but stupid, petty, idiots trying to find gluten free low-carb snacks. Or getting upset about the lack of name-brand bottled water, trying to suck up to actors, and starting lame cults. And believe me, that sounds a hellava lot funnier than it was. I knew going into it that this was a tongue-in-cheek look at the apocalypse, and I was prepared for it to be somewhat corny. I took all of that into consideration, and I tried. I really tried to get the humor. I tried to get what the author was saying. I tried to laugh at the way these people flailed around like idiots, desperately grasping at their old lives, and scrabbling around for necessities like...ChapStick. What's trending? Twitter + Armageddon = Catty Post-It Notes. Har. Har. Har. Har.
[image]
This was a great idea with poor execution, but I can't bring myself to give it one star, because there were solid moments sprinkled in with all the dumbassery. Unfortunately, that's about the nicest thing I can say. However, this is a debut novel, so I'm not giving up on this author yet. Also, there were quite a few reviewers who loved this one, so check out what some of the other people thought before you make up your mind.
I received a digital copy for review from NetGalley.
Right off the bat, I wanna admit that I had no idea this was part of a trilogy when I requested it from NetGalley. I just saw Hocking's name and clickRight off the bat, I wanna admit that I had no idea this was part of a trilogy when I requested it from NetGalley. I just saw Hocking's name and clicked it immediately. In my defense, there was no mention of previous books in the description, so I just assumed this was the start of a new series. And you know what happens when you ASS-U-ME something. You end up with marshmallow fluff, hardening at an unbelievably rapid rate, all over the inside of your microwave. Amirite?!
[image]
What? Was there another analogy or something? My point is, I went into this with a lot of missing backstory. A. Lot. But I will give Hocking credit, I felt like she did a great job recapping the other stories, and I didn't feel as lost as I could have. By the end, I think I had a pretty good grasp on the overall plot of the other two books!
[image]
The problem was, I didn't care much for the actual plot. It wasn't bad, just middle of the road. But, by the end, I just wanted to be finished with the book, so I could tick it off my to-do list. Again, this could quite possibly be because I wasn't fully invested in the outcome of these characters, due to not having read the first two of books. And I haven't read her Trylle trilogy, either. Some of the characters from those books appear in this one, since this (appears to be) a spin-off from that world. I said that to say this, fans of those books may find this one to be much more interesting than I did.
[image]
So, there's a Troll world living within our world. And they're split into several different kingdoms. Bryn is a high-ranking tracker from one of them, but because of events that have transpired in the other books, she's been framed for treason & murder, which has landed her on the kingdom's Most Wanted list. In order to save her friends, family, and true love, she'll need to find out who is really responsible for the conspiracy. She teams up with unlikely allies, forms unlikely friendships, uncovers secrets, and tries to save the day. Ta-da!
[image]
Having not read the other books, I don't feel right rating this lower than 3 stars, but I'm not going out of my way to recommend this one to anyone, either.
The majority of the storyline revolves around S.T.A.R. Labs, and all of the hijinks they seem to be responsible forUm. Well, ok...it's not bad.
[image]
The majority of the storyline revolves around S.T.A.R. Labs, and all of the hijinks they seem to be responsible for causing. Intentional and (seemingly) unintentional. Not that the Titans know that.
[image]
Killer A.I., terrorists, mad scientists, etc., all comes back to one guy...Manchester Black.
[image]
I don't know if you can tell, but the dude doesn't actually wear a shirt. He just has the Union Jack tattooed onto his chest. Get it! Manchester! Hyuck, hyuck! Anyhoo, he's a bad guy, he works for S.T.A.R. Labs, and he sets a rather elaborate plan in motion to get the Teens to work with him. Whether it works or not is still up for grabs...
[image]
There are a couple of side stories, as well. Including, but not limited to, the introduction of their (maybe?) new teammate, Power Girl. No. Not the one with big boobies.
[image]
Her mother worked for (and was friends with) the original Power Girl, and was killed because of that connection. Apparently, PG bestowed some of her superpowers on this kid before she took off for her own Earth. I remember reading about her mother's death, but I haven't kept up with Power Girl, so I had no idea she was gone. Learned something new today...
The other stories were less important, but I'm gonna tell you about 'em anyway. Raven has this obsessed fan that looks like she's a bit wacky. She's a singer who has started writing all her songs about Raven and is trying to figure out a way to get her spells into the lyrics. Something? I don't know, because the plot sort of dwindled away. Then there's Cassie's mom, who shows up out of the blue. Not sure what her purpose is, other than to represent nagging parents worldwide. Cassie also has a large group of girls who dress up like her, and then go around fighting crime. When they can take a break from following Wonder Girl around town, at least. Again, kinda lame, not sure what that one is all about. Bunker seems to be getting a tad violent. Or maybe just proactive? Whatever, he likes punching bad guys. A lot.
I don't really know. Ugh. I feel really uninspired to write anything one way or the other about this title. It wasn't a chore to read, but it wasn't special, either. However, since this is just volume 1, there's a good chance it could improve over time. I did think the art was pretty nice to look at!
If you're a huge fan of the Teen Titans, check this one out and let me know what you think.
Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na, Batman! So, part of me thought this was pretty cool, and part of me felt meh about the whole weird Arkham-Is-Wayne-Manor thingNa-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na, Batman! So, part of me thought this was pretty cool, and part of me felt meh about the whole weird Arkham-Is-Wayne-Manor thing. For those of you who don't know, this debacle is due to the goings-on that happened at the end of the second volume of Batman Eternal. {Spoilery shit happened} And now Wayne Manor belongs to the city of Gotham. Aaaaaand...they've turned it into the new Arkham Asylum.
[image]
Also the art. The crouching, slinking, leaping, cartoony Batman was somewhat jarring. But, then again, somewhat cool! I can't decide.
[image]
This is a straight-up Batman plays detective story, and I liked that it was pretty much self-contained. Krazy Killers, Killing Krazies! Go, scruffy-faced Batman! Go!
[image]
Yeah, so as the title implies, everything happens at Arkham/Wayne Manor. Bruce is now living in a townhouse with Alfred, and driving back and forth to the Batcave. That's got to be one hell of a depressing commute, you know?
[image]
As soon as the inmates move in, the bodies start piling up. And it's up to Batman to stop the killer from striking again!
[image]
Because... Well, let's be honest, the cops could probably care less if some wacko is offing dangerous criminals, right? I mean, I certainly wouldn't if I were them. No hard feelings, Bullock. I woulda made the same call, buddy.
[image]
Anyway. Dead inmates! Batman goes undercover as a newly incarcerated fellow by the name of Jack Shaw. Shaw is...basically Bruce in a mustache. Kinda like Matches Malone. He attends group meetings, uncovers secrets, and attempts to ferret out the bad guy.
[image]
Of course, at some point, he has to drop his Shaw disguise, in order to move about more freely. His new disguise? Shaw in a white uniform! Clever bastard. No wonder he's The Batman!
[image]
Whatever. His lame disguises aside, this wasn't a bad Batman mystery. And since it is a spin-off of the Batman Eternal storyline, those of you following the Batverse carefully may want to pick this up. If nothing else, someone makes a reappearance towards the end of this, and I'm kinda interested to see where he pops up next.
[image]
Alrighty, I feel the need to pick on a few of these panels of artwork. They're not bad, per say, but they made me giggle.
That mouth! Daaamn! Does anyone else think those are some pretty jacked up teeth for a rich playboy? They're all different lengths, and some of those fangs aren't even canines. Plus, that one front tooth is veering dangerously close to Tom Cruise territory... Mesmerizing! The more I stare, the more I can't stop staring!
[image]
BAM! POW! TAPPY, TAP, TAP! That's some oddly jacked up footwork you've got going there, pal. Just sayin'.
[image]
Awww. Wook at his widdle fists! Those arms couldn't be drawn more awkwardly if the artist did it on purpose. Am I the only one who thinks they look weird as fuck? Is he getting ready to break into the Chicken Dance? And his delicate ankle tapering off into that huge-ass foot? LMAO!
[image]
Ok, ok. I'm done. *takes one last look at those teeth...dies laughing*
Anyway, I didn't think it was horrible, but it probably wasn't needed, either. It seems like there are a ton of Batman titles right now, and this one (while definitely readable) will probably fall into obscurity pretty quickly.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley & the publisher.
That ending! Woof! Totally killed it for me. Sorry, but it did. Hated it. Hated it. Hated it!
[image]
I mean, what was that$.99 on Amazon today 11/17/15
That ending! Woof! Totally killed it for me. Sorry, but it did. Hated it. Hated it. Hated it!
[image]
I mean, what was that? Gah. No. Just...no.
Anyway. Other than my (rather obvious) disappointment with the last few pages, I thought this was a pretty cute way to retell the Cinderella story. Although, I thought The Stepsister's Tale was a much better story if you're looking for something from...well, the ugly stepsister's point of view.
Ok, so this girl rips part of a page out of a magical storybook. See, the Goblin King enchanted this particular Cinderella story. I'm not sure why this kid has possession of it, but she did. Roll with it... She ends up in the fairytale, and in order to break the curse and go home to her family (and toilets that flush) she has to make sure Cinderella gets Prince Charming. Hilarity ensues!
[image]
She learns the customs, grows as a person, uncovers family secrets, changes child labor laws, helps a friend elope, and falls in love with the prince. Oops!
[image]
Yeah, so she has to make a choice. Stay with the man she's grown to love, or try to force him to marry Ella (who is in love with his cousin). Can the magic of love fix her problems?
[image]
If you know me, then you know I like my Happily Ever Afters. Nothing else will do, and if I don't get what I want, a tantrum usually happens. One-starring usually occurs, and vitriol spews out of my mouth...er, keyboard. So, I'm feeling pretty mature right now. Still. Very, very, very unhappy.
[image]
I received a digital copy for review from NetGalley and the author.
Loading...
